Building a better Alphinaud

[tokinokanatae]

Is the problem that you don’t understand that both monarchies and republics are forms of government that exist in the real world? Monarchies aren’t magical fantasy inventions created solely to populate fictional stories. Their inclusion or exclusion in any given work does not make it more or less fantastical—and Americans aren’t the only nationality playing this game.

[aveyond-dreams]

Is the problem that you don’t understand that both monarchies and republics are forms of government that exist in the real world? Monarchies aren’t magical fantasy inventions created solely to populate fictional stories. Their inclusion or exclusion in any given work does not make it more or less fantastical—and Americans aren’t the only nationality playing this game.

Yes but given that it's a medieval world you'd think that the former would be more prominent. The fact that they are constantly being toppled with the same song and dance preaching the same repeated values over and over again is extremely bothersome and takes away from my experience. I'm sick of it. Especially when the mouthpiece for this show is a 16 year old rich kid.

[aveyond-dreams]

I do not believe that characters with androgynous traits like the twins should be pushed to the front as much as they are, which is to say nothing of the overbearing presence of gender-neutral hairstyles in this game that to date satisfy neither gender. People aren't looking at characters like Alphinaud and saying, wow! I can't wait to play as/go on adventures with that character! Quite the opposite in fact.

He is both visually and ideologically unimpressive. If this game had its own Illidan equivalent I imagine it would do a lot more to appeal to people than some white haired teenager with magic lasers and his crew of samey yes-men.

[Vahlnir]

I do not believe that characters with androgynous traits like the twins should be pushed to the front as much as they are, which is to say nothing of the overbearing presence of gender-neutral hairstyles in this game that to date satisfy neither gender. People aren't looking at characters like Alphinaud and saying, wow! I can't wait to play as/go on adventures with that character! Quite the opposite in fact.

He is both visually and ideologically unimpressive. If this game had its own Illidan equivalent I imagine it would do a lot more to appeal to people than some white haired teenager with magic lasers and his crew of samey yes-men.

It's all about charisma, even with Illidan. Sure, he looks cool. However, if a character is not likeable by default, that is where the issue lies. Illidan didn't/doesn't really have that problem, like a lot of WoW characters that have come and/or gone. Alphinaud has had his moments, but I don't think I've ever felt like I've bonded per say with any of the Scions since I started the game back in ARR. I've felt like the 3rd wheel this entire time, and I know that wasn't the intention of the writers, because many people seem to adore them.

[CrownySuccubus]

I do not believe that characters with androgynous traits like the twins should be pushed to the front as much as they are, which is to say nothing of the overbearing presence of gender-neutral hairstyles in this game that to date satisfy neither gender. People aren't looking at characters like Alphinaud and saying, wow! I can't wait to play as/go on adventures with that character! Quite the opposite in fact.

He is both visually and ideologically unimpressive. If this game had its own Illidan equivalent I imagine it would do a lot more to appeal to people than some white haired teenager with magic lasers and his crew of samey yes-men.

See, this is the main issue I have with you and Theodric's claims. If your goals were merely about more "variety", then that'd be fine. More variety isn't a problem, in and of itself. But you two have constantly made it clear that your ideal is to have what you want replace, or added in place of, the alternatives. It's becoming increasingly apparent that part of this irrational anti-Scion demagoguery is to have the "androgynous" cast replaced as the FFXIV front-runners, and it seems the rest of the arguments are merely attempts at justifications.

However, if what you were saying alone were true, then Nier: Gestalt would have outsold the remake, Nier: Replicant.

Also, gender-neutral hairstyles are no issue whatsoever. Both in-game genders have plenty of exclusive hairstyles. Should there be MORE hairstyles (especially for Hrothgar)? Of course. But, once again, better hairstyles is not mutually-exclusive to gender-neutral ones.

[SentioftheHoukai]

See, this is the main issue I have with you and Theodric's claims. If your goals were merely about more "variety", then that'd be fine. More variety isn't a problem, in and of itself. But you two have constantly made it clear that your ideal is to have what you want replace, or added in place of, the alternatives. It's becoming increasingly apparent that part of this irrational anti-Scion demagoguery is to have the "androgynous" cast replaced as the FFXIV front-runners, and it seems the rest of the arguments are merely attempts at justifications.

However, if what you were saying alone were true, then Nier: Gestalt would have outsold the remake, Nier: Replicant.

Also, gender-neutral hairstyles are no issue whatsoever. Both in-game genders have plenty of exclusive hairstyles. Should there be MORE hairstyles (especially for Hrothgar)? Of course. But, once again, better hairstyles is not mutually-exclusive to gender-neutral ones.

Why is it that the only thing we can get out of you are accusations and insinuations about what people are like IRL, Crowny. Say all this rot all you damn well bloody like, but where do you get the ideas from? I'm rather convinced that if what you say Aveyond wanted was accurate, they'd just come out and say it. At the end of the day, the character creation in FFXIV is just sorely needing a revamp. Hairstyles, body archetypes the whole nine yards. If more stereotypically masculine options crop up, all the better. I mean, honestly what is so offensive about a man looking like a man anyway?

[Sarkany]

I do not believe that characters with androgynous traits like the twins should be pushed to the front as much as they are, which is to say nothing of the overbearing presence of gender-neutral hairstyles in this game that to date satisfy neither gender. People aren't looking at characters like Alphinaud and saying, wow! I can't wait to play as/go on adventures with that character! Quite the opposite in fact.

He is both visually and ideologically unimpressive. If this game had its own Illidan equivalent I imagine it would do a lot more to appeal to people than some white haired teenager with magic lasers and his crew of samey yes-men.

The thing is, poll results, and general fan activity, indicate that people do like the twins. Despite Alphinaud being small and skinny and not being a physical fighter, a lot of people do like him. He is, in particular, definitely more popular than Fordola. I mean, I like Fordola fine, I'd be happy if she showed up more, but the reason he's a main party member in EW and she's in two unvoiced, high-requirement sidequest chains is not actually that SE just doesn't realize everyone likes her better. (I can't know this for certain, but I suspect most people who want Manly Men in the core party are happy with Estinien and Thancred.)

[aveyond-dreams]

Wow it's almost as if the original NieR games had region locked protagonists and other issues besides graphics. Nier Replicant however has a cast of characters that accounts for diversity of thought and ideology, and isn't afraid to take risks like FFXIV. That is why it so beloved.

And no, I'm not going to pretend like I'm remotely against the replacement and deletion of characters like Alphinaud and G'raha Tia. If they finally leave the main cast I'll probably throw a party in one of the housing districts. They're bad characters that have negatively impacted the story and world with their presence. The lanky, less masculine character archetype can be fulfilled by literally any other character that isn't them.

Stop forcing these immortal characters and their misguided ideals down our throats. Perhaps I should begin claiming that my side is the majority if only to re-assert control over the direction that this game is spiralling down, away from the things that once drew me towards it. Scion fans are so quick to claim the majority for themselves, so I see no reason why I cannot do the same moving forward.

[CrownySuccubus]

Wow it's almost as if the original NieR games had region locked protagonists and other issues besides graphics. Nier Replicant however has a cast of characters that accounts for diversity of thought and ideology, and isn't afraid to take risks like FFXIV. That is why it so beloved.

Thanks for agreeing with me that the aesthetics of the protagonist had little, if nothing, to do with it.

Ah yes, the "diversity of thought" dog whistle. I was wondering when you guys would bring that out again.

In this case, you're pedaling the argument that the establishment of self-governing republics isn't "diversity of thought", but somehow Garlemald turning everything into a militaristic province was? Or having ten different tyrannical monarchies was diverse in thought?

And no, I'm not going to pretend like I'm remotely against the replacement and deletion of characters like Alphinaud and G'raha Tia. If they finally leave the main cast I'll probably throw a party in one of the housing districts. They're bad characters that have negatively impacted the story and world with their presence. The lanky, less masculine character archetype can be fulfilled by literally any other character that isn't them.

Stop forcing these immortal characters and their misguided ideals down our throats.

Again, this is just your opinion. You, and anyone who agrees, is welcome to it. But it's not an objective indication of quality.

[tokinokanatae]

I vote for a manly man that’s passionate about spreading the glory of republican statesmanship join the Scions. He can take over for Alphinaud in Garlemald while Alphinaud helps us with the Void. It’s perfect!